London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Malden and Coombe 1960
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Malden & Coombe]
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The purpose of the phosphatase and methylene blue tests is to
determine respectively whether or not the milk has been adequately heat
treated and whether it is of good keeping quality.
The turbidity test for sterilised milk is to determine whether or
not the milk has been adequately sterilised.
The greater importance must be attached to the phosphatase test
as correct heat treatment or pasteurisation reasonably ensures that all
pathogenic organisms have been eliminated.
FOOD
There are no slaughter houses or knackers' yards in the Borough.
The following table lists the food premises in the district by type of business together with the number of inspections.
| Food Premises | No. in District | No. of Inspections Made |
|---|---|---|
| Bakehouses | 5 | 10 |
| Bakers shops | 15 | 8 |
| Butchers | 21 | 13 |
| Confectioners | 28 | 50 |
| Cooked meat shops | 1 | 3 |
| Fish shops (wet or fried) | 12 | 10 |
| Greengrocers | 24 | 13 |
| Greengrocers stalls | 1 | 2 |
| Grocers (including off-licences) | 48 | 45 |
| Institutions | 16 | 12 |
| Milk depots | 1 | 2 |
| Milk shops | 4 | 10 |
| Office and works canteens | 15 | 4 |
| Public houses and hotels | 12 | 4 |
| Restaurants and cafes. | 15 | 15 |
| School canteens | 13 | 15 |
| Sports clubs | 17 | 2 |
| 248 | 208 |
The following premises are registered under Section 16 of the
Food and Drugs Act, 1955, for the purposes listed.